Underwater Robot Competition

ROVs are underwater robots used in scientific research, ocean exploration and observation and by the marine industry. This year's theme, "Diving to the Deep: Uncovering the Mysteries of Mid-Ocean Ridges," will challenge the middle school, high school, community college and university students to perform tasks to "see" and "feel" a simulated hydrothermal vent community using remotely operated arms, infrared eyes and temperature sensors. More than 50 teams from the United States, Canada, China (Hong Kong), Iran, Russia and Scotland will take part.

Visitors may also see the teams working on their ROVs and view poster displays at UCSD's Price Center from 9AM to 6PM on Friday 27 June.

The speaker during the opening reception is Justin Manley, senior research scientist at Battelle and technology consultant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Competition winners will be announced at a concluding event held on Saturday, 28 June at 7PM at UCSD's Price Center. The speaker is Drew Michel, chairman of the Marine Technology Society's (MTS) ROV Committee.

MATE's ROV competition uses ROVs to teach technical, engineering, scientific and critical thinking skills, which are in great demand in today's technical workplace. MATE's competition helps students become aware of careers in which they can apply these skills, a critical step in addressing the shortage of qualified engineers and technical professionals.

This year's competition is designed to present students with the types of challenges faced by scientists and engineers working in extreme ocean environments. Hydrothermal vents are hot springs located deep on the seafloor near mid-ocean ridges, where the earth's tectonic plates slowly spread apart to create new seafloor crust.  Vents emit continuous streams of super-heated, mineral-rich water through cracks in the earth's crust, creating an ecosystem that supports unique communities.